Background

SAHR is calling for applications from civil society leaders seizing an opportunity to change law and policy, or working to implement law and policies at the local level to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Accelerator aims to amplify the knowledge and skills of civil society leaders contributing to litigation, law, or policy reform and implementation to end SGBV. 

We encourage organizations to nominate their staff. Fellows develop skills that empower them not only to pursue their own projects, but also to contribute to their home organizations’ initiatives towards law and policy implementation and reform.

We also highly encourage individuals who do not usually have access to fellowships, legal empowerment mentorship, and training to apply.

The Gender Justice Accelerator 

The SAHR Gender Justice Accelerator is a twelve-month mentorship program that prepares civil society leaders (Fellows) with the skills and tools they need to meaningfully participate in SGBV law and policy-making and implementation.

The Accelerator fosters transformation through a comprehensive framework, comprising legal mentorship, workshops, and peer collaboration. Fellows emerge equipped with a roadmap for their local policy and legal initiatives, professional skills, and enduring connections with fellow advocates.

Our commitment extends beyond empowerment; we are dedicated to cultivating a cadre of influential leaders who can navigate the policy and decision-making realms with efficacy, ultimately working towards eradicating SGBV. Through our work, we nurture leadership and amplify voices that often go unheard in pivotal decision-making processes.

Fellows receive a grant of EUR €3,000 and collaborate with subject matter experts, leaders, and changemakers through our community of practice to put their ideas into action.

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

SAHR will assess applications based on the criteria below:

• Are you under 40 years of age?

• Do you identify as a woman, trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming person?

• If you are a man, do you come from under-represented and marginalised group or are you working on sexual violence against men and boys?

Organizations are encouraged to nominate civil society leaders who will benefit from this Fellowship and in turn, contribute back to the organization’s own initiatives towards law and policy implementation and reform. 

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to advancing human rights and equal access to justice for women, LGBTQIA+ and men and boys affected by SGBV.

Applicants from all over the world will be considered. Priority will be given to applicants from the Global South and East. 

Joint applications from co-leaders (2 or more) are welcome and the total award will be divided equally between the two of them. We actively support and encourage co-leadership.

We will be awarding multiple fellowships!